Butagaz is continuing its investments in solar energy through the acquisition of Sys EnR, following its purchase of French installers Soltéa and Solewa.

The French authorities have allocated around 180 MW of utility-scale solar capacity in the nation’s latest procurement exercise.

Voltec and the Institut Photovoltaïque d’Île-de-France (IPVF) have revealed plans to set up a pilot line for their new panel technology in 2023.

The project consists of an 85 MW solar park and a green hydrogen production unit. The facility should begin commercial operations in 2024.

The government announced new measures in favor of collective and individual self-consumption, validated by the Higher Energy Council on September 8.

France’s energy regulator has published an update of the specifications for 17 renewable energy tenders, adapted to facilitate the rapid deployment of projects in the context of energy and the pandemic. The proposed adjustments are applicable to winners of all periods, from Sept. 1, 2022, provided that they submit a request to the energy ministry.

French solar energy institute INES has developed new PV modules with thermoplastics and natural fibers sourced in Europe, such as flax and basalt. The scientists aim to reduce the environmental footprint and weight of solar panels, while improving recycling.

Ciel & Terre Japan has deployed a floating solar plant on the swimming pool of a school on the Japanese island of Kyushu. Local developer ELM says the project could be extended to more than 6,000 facilities across the country.

A third of the 17 MW solar array is now completed. The installation is expected to cover around 17% of the theme park’s electricity needs. Final completion is scheduled for 2023.

The Directive No. 2022/542 was published in the Official Journal of the European Union on April 5. According to the new provisions, member states will be free to apply a VAT rate of 0% to 5%.